Kobe McDonald - A debut like no other

HIS first appearance in a Mayo jersey had been much-anticipated, and after he had completed his mock exams nine days ago and his school team exited their competition 24-hours later the way was clear for Kobe McDonald to have a run out for Mayo.

On Friday evening he was named in the Mayo squad for today's clash with Monaghan in Clones and that announcement ensured even more supporters would make their way to St Tiarnach's Park to witness a little piece of history.

As Mayo built a big lead and played some fine football it became ever more likely that Andy Moran would spring the Crossmolina teenager from the bench.

After 52 minutes and 29 seconds the young man in the number 22 jersey ran onto the pitch and the roar could be heard back by the Deel. McDonald had arrived, history had been made and one wondered would he get on the scoresheet. We didn't have to ponder for long.

After 54 minutes and 59 seconds McDonald gained possession on the right and sent a shot straight between the sticks. He raised his finger in the air and flashed a smile that cut through the clouds. However, that was only the start.

After 57 minutes and 19 seconds Jordan Flynn had the ball in his hands in the right-half-forward spot. As a swarm of Monaghan men descended upon him he released the ball to his brother and McDonald gained possession and streaked towards goal. As the supporters rose off their seats, the 18-year-old blazed a shot past the advancing goalkeeper to put Mayo 2-25 to 1-11 clear.

Many would have been happy with such a pivotal impact, but McDonald had more to do. 

In the 63rd minute he got on the end of a loop on the edge of the two-point arc and sent the umpire scrambling for the orange flag with a perfect strike. That kick completed the set - a point, a goal and a two-pointer, but he wanted one more and got it.

In the 65th minute he calmly kicked a point to leave Mayo 2-28 to 2-11 clear and complete a dream debut on a day when the clinging clouds over Clones couldn't dampen the excitement of the Mayo followers.